Birgunj Begins Demolition Drive on Encroached Structures for Road Widening
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Birgunj Metropolitan City has initiated a demolition drive to remove approximately 1,200 encroached structures along a key road.
- The demolition is part of a plan to widen the road from Gandak Chowk to the Customs Office, extending to the Nepal-India border.
- The widening project aims to bring the road up to national highway standards, affecting numerous government and private buildings.
Birgunj is taking decisive action to reclaim public space and improve infrastructure with a large-scale demolition drive targeting encroached structures. This operation, which began Sunday morning, is a significant step towards realizing the city's vision for a wider, more accessible road network connecting key areas to the Nepal-India border.
Navraj Phuyal, press adviser to Mayor Rajeshman Singh, confirmed that the drive is set to remove around 1,200 illegal structures. This extensive clearing operation is crucial for the planned widening of the road from Gandak Chowk to the Miteri Bridge, a vital artery for trade and transit. The goal is to expand the road to 25 meters on each side, aligning it with national highway standards.
The scope of the project is substantial, impacting areas including Powerhouse, Murli, Ghantaghar, Maisthan, Adarshanagar, Makalu Hotel Chowk, Birta, Chapkaiya, and the Customs area. A total of 29 government buildings and approximately 1,200 privately owned houses lie within the designated zone slated for removal. This undertaking demonstrates the Birgunj Metropolitan City's commitment to long-term urban planning and development, prioritizing functionality and adherence to national standards over existing encroachments.
From a local perspective in Birgunj, this demolition drive represents a necessary, albeit potentially disruptive, step towards modernization. While it may displace some residents and businesses, the long-term benefits of improved connectivity, enhanced trade flow, and adherence to national infrastructure standards are paramount. This action signals a strong municipal leadership focused on enforcing regulations and creating a more organized urban environment.
Around 1,200 encroached structures are set to be removed as part of a road widening plan.
Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.